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Articles by Allen Andrews
The members of the Missouri House have approved legislation that will renew key programs designed to support and promote agriculture in the state. With bipartisan support, the House approved HB 1720 to continue several agriculture programs that are priorities for the agriculture community in Missouri. In explaining the importance of the bill, the sponsor of HB 1720 noted the programs created and extended by the legislation would be responsible for creating hundreds of jobs.
Capitol Report: State of the State address
Members of the Missouri General Assembly gathered in the House Chamber Wednesday afternoon to listen to the annual State of the State Address delivered by Gov. Mike Parson.
Capitol Report: House committee approves congressional redistricting map
Legislation that will establish new boundaries for Missouri’s eight congressional districts is one step closer to consideration on the House floor. The House Special Committee on Redistricting gave its stamp of approval to HB 2117 Wednesday, January 12 during a public hearing in the State Capitol.
Capitol Report: 2022 legislative session begins
Lawmakers returned to the State Capitol Building Wednesday, January 5 for the start of the 2022 legislative session, which is officially the Second Regular Session of the 101st General Assembly. House members returned to Jefferson City with a current split of 110 Republicans, 49 Democrats, and 4 vacant seats. On the first day of session, two Republican members announced their resignations to pursue other interests.
Capitol Report: Seeing strong revenue growth
As we approach the end of the year, Missouri continues to receive good news regarding its economic growth. The state budget director announced this week that the state saw a 19 percent increase in revenue in November. For November 2021, the state collected $965.5 million in general revenue compared to 2020 when the state collected $811.1 million. Gov.
Capitol Report: Participation in transportation needs discussion encouraged
Missourians are encouraged to participate in a discussion on the state’s most important transportation needs. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is holding a series of meetings around the state to accept public input on the state’s high priority transportation needs. Missouri’s transportation system consists of 33,830 miles of roads and 10,399 bridges, both of which rank among the largest for any state in the nation.
Capitol Report: Missouri continues to make broadband priority
This summer the Missouri House Special Interim Committee on Broadband Development has held public hearings to discuss ways to improve broadband internet access across the state. Efforts to increase access received a boost recently as Gov. Mike Parson announced plans to utilize more than $400 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to increase broadband internet access statewide.
Capitol Report: Governor Parson signs key measures into law
Last week, Governor Mike Parson signed several key measures into law during the final week he was able to take action on bills approved by the General Assembly. The majority of the bills will now become law on August 28. They address critical areas of need in the state such as enhanced stronger protections for children and newborns, and increased support for law enforcement and veterans.
Capitol Report: House approves Medicaid funding measure
House members made a strong statement this week in support of the state’s most vulnerable citizens and in defense of the lives of the unborn. The House approved legislation that will provide essential funding to the state’s Medicaid program, also known as MO HealthNet, and passed a pro-life bill meant to prevent taxpayer dollars from going to abortion providers.
Capitol Report: State lawmakers wrap up successful legislative session
The 2021 Legislative Session began in January with the House Speaker calling on his colleagues to “take on even the toughest challenges” and “make the hard decisions that will improve the quality of life for Missourians of all ages.” As the legislative session came to an end, the members of the Missouri House had approved numerous bills meant to help Missourians from all walks of life in all parts of the state.
Capitol Report: Legislature approves bill to protect domestic abuse victims
Legislation is now on its way to the governor that would allow victims of domestic abuse to obtain lifetime orders of protection against their abusers. The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Under current law, a court can issue an order of protection for up to one year. Supporters of the bill said some victims of abuse are subject to fear and trauma when they have to see their abuser each year to ask a judge to renew the order.
Capitol Report: House approves bill to crack down on call spoofers
Members of the Missouri House took action this week to protect vulnerable Missourians from predatory callers who hid their identities. The bill passed by the House would establish the “Caller ID Anti-Spoofing Act.” Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to caller ID display to disguise their identity.
Capitol Report: House members support bill to protect against overreach
Lawmakers gave approval this week to legislation meant to protect Missourians against potential overreach by the federal government. The bill would establish the Joint Committee on Federal Government Oversight. The committee, which would be made up of five state representatives and five state senators, would review any executive orders issued by the President of the United States.
Capitol Report: House approves funding bill to support vulnerable citizens
The House has sent a funding bill to the Senate that would provide resources to help Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens.
Capitol Report: House approves legislation to protect victims from abusers
The members of the Missouri House gave strong bipartisan support to legislation that would allow victims of abuse to obtain lifetime orders of protection against extreme, obsessive abusers.
Capitol Report: House sends fiscally responsible spending plan to the Senate
The members of the Missouri House gave their stamp of approval to the appropriations bills that make up the Fiscal Year 2022 State Operating Budget. Members spent more than 7 hours on the House floor Tuesday as they discussed and amended the 13 bills that contain more than $32 billion in funding. With the spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year, the House once again prioritized funding for K-12 education.
Capitol Report: House approves bill to make elections more secure
The members of the Missouri House have passed legislation that makes numerous changes to the state’s election laws. The bill authorizes the Secretary of State (SOS) to audit voter registration lists and require election authorities to remove improper names. Beginning January 1, 2022, it requires the use of a paper ballot and repeals electronic voting system language with certain exceptions for voting equipment used for the disabled.
Capitol Report: Highly productive first half of session in House
As the legislative session reached its midpoint, House members had approved and sent to the Senate more than 45 pieces of legislation, including the Speaker’s priority issues. The House also used the first half of the legislative session to tackle important issues such as protecting the Second Amendment rights of Missouri citizens, preventing the abuse of burdensome mandates issued by unelected bureaucrats, and supporting the state’s agriculture industry.
Capitol Report: Governor releases vital funding
Because Missouri continues to outpace its projected revenue growth, Gov. Mike Parson recently released nearly $281 million in general revenue restrictions. The released funds will go to a number of state departments including Elementary and Secondary Education, Agriculture, Health and Senior Services, and Social Services. Parson had previously restricted approximately $438 million in funding due to the financial impact of COVID-19.
Capitol Report: House approves legislation to prevent abuse of eminent domain
The Missouri House has once again approved legislation meant to protect the rights of land owners. The bill would prevent the use of eminent domain to take property from Missourians for use by the Grain Belt Express power line. The Grain Belt Express is a power line that is planned to run from Kansas to Indiana. The project was approved to use eminent domain to seize land if land owners refuse to sell easements.
Capitol Report: Assistance expanded for low-income Missourians
Missourians struggling with their heating bill because of the extreme cold will now have additional help. Gov. Mike Parson recently announced the state’s Energy Crisis Intervention Program will offer improved assistance to eligible low-income Missourians. The Energy Crisis Prevention Program, which is part of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), assists households when their energy source has been shut off or is at risk of disconnection.
Capitol Report: New office to assist Missouri children
As the House worked in strong bipartisan fashion to support families who foster and adopt young people in need, the governor’s office announced a new office that will provide a comprehensive approach to early childhood care and education. The new Office of Childhood represents the consolidation of several early childhood programs across state government.
Capitol Report: Governor Parson delivers 2021 State of State Address
Governor Mike Parson delivered the 2021 State of the State Address to the Missouri General Assembly this week. While the speech typically takes place in the House Chamber, the governor gave his address from the Senate Chamber this year to ensure proper social distancing for those in attendance. During the speech, Parson highlighted several accomplishments the state has made in combating COVID-19, as well as major successes in infrastructure and workforce development.
Capitol Report: Supporting foster parents and encouraging adoptions
The House Committee on Children and Families met Tuesday afternoon to discuss and approve two pieces of legislation that would reduce the financial burden for foster parents and families interested in adopting. The two bills are priorities for House Speaker Rob Vescovo, who called for the policy changes in his Opening Day address. “I was blessed to have loving parents who adopted me out of the foster care system and gave me a stable, nurturing home.
Capitol Report: 2021 legislative session begins
New and returning members gathered in the House Chamber on Wednesday, January 6 to take the oath of office and officially begin the 2021 legislative session. The new session marks the start of the 101st General Assembly. The House begins the year with 114 Republican members, 48 Democratic members and one vacancy. The swearing in ceremony for House members had a unique look this session as legislators were administered the oath of office in three separate groups.
Capitol Report: Merry Christmas to you and yours from the Andrews family
From my family to yours…we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas. This year as we gather together to celebrate the birth of Christ, we will share our love and exchange gifts as a way of reminding one another of how much we care and how deeply blessed we truly are.
Capitol Report: In support of Amendment 3
With all of the confusion and misinformation surrounding Amendment 3 (which is on the upcoming November 3 ballot) I would like to share my concern and tell you why I am supporting and encouraging a “YES” vote on Amendment 3. First of all, like many of you, I am exhausted with the “politics of politics” as a result of living in a politically-saturated country and have grown tired of the political rhetoric stemming from both sides.
Capitol Report: Improving economy prompts release of withheld funds
The state’s improving economy and rising revenue totals have prompted Gov. Mike Parson to release funds that were previously withheld to ensure a balanced budget. Parson announced the release of more than $38 million in general revenue, as well as the issuance of nearly $95 million in CARES Act funding. The $133 million in funding will go to critical services in several areas, with nearly $100 million going to support K-12 and higher education.
Capitol Report: State capitol building goes red
Visitors to the capitol city recently saw the dome of the Missouri State Capitol building and the Governor’s Mansion illuminated in red. The red lighting was meant to honor fallen firefighters and to recognize National Fire Prevention Week. Of the decision to light the dome red, Gov. Parson said, “As part of Missouri’s Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters commemoration, we proudly honor firefighters who gave their life in service to their community.
Capitol Report: Remember to register to vote
National Voter Registration Day took place on September 22 as a reminder for the millions of Americans who are unable to vote each year because they miss the voter registration deadline. In Missouri, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is traveling around the state to urge Missourians to register to vote or verify their registration. The deadline to register for the Nov. 3 election is Oct. 7.
Capitol Report: Special session wrapped up
The special session called by Gov. Parson to address the rise of violent crime in the state has come to a close. The Missouri House of Representatives adjourned Sine Die Wednesday afternoon without taking up the final three bills called for by the governor. With the decision to adjourn, the legislature completed the session having successfully passed two bills requested by the governor to help bring down the rising homicide rate. Gov. Parson has two bills he can now sign into law.
Capitol Report: Missourians urged to register to vote during September
September is National Voter Registration Month and state officials are encouraging Missourians to take action to register to vote or verify their registration. Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said, “With a November presidential election just around the corner, we’re encouraging all Missourians who are eligible to make sure they are registered. If you’re already registered, it’s important to verify your voting information.
Capitol Report: Special session to address violent crime continues
The Missouri General Assembly is continuing its work in a special session called by the governor to address the growing problem of violent crime. After many hours of debate that lasted from Wednesday morning until the early hours of Thursday, the Missouri Senate gave final approval to two House bills, and sent three more back to the House of Representatives with changes. The two bills truly agreed by the Senate are now on their way to Gov. Parson to be signed into law.
Capitol Report: Medicaid expansion approved, leaders concerned about budget
Missouri became the 38th state to approve Medicaid expansion as more than 53 percent of voters supported Constitutional Amendment No. 2 during the August primary. Interestingly, ALL rural counties (including the 1st House District of Nodaway, Atchison, Holt, & Worth) voted AGAINST Medicaid Expansion showing there continues to be disparity between urban and rural ideologies and values. (Medicaid Expansion was won by voters in St Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, & Columbia).
Capitol Report By Allen Andrews
Capitol Report By Allen Andrews August 11, 2020 Share On Voters approve Medicaid Expansion but state leaders voice concern about its impact on the state budget Missouri became the 38th state to approve Medicaid expansion as more than 53 percent of voters supported Constitutional Amendment No. 2 during the August primary.
Capitol Report: Helping Missouri recover from COVID-19 economic impact
As Missouri continues to manage the health impact of COVID-19, the state also continues to move forward with its recovery from the economic damage inflicted by the virus. The state unemployment rate fell by more than two percentage points in June and is now at 7.9 percent, which is significantly lower than the national rate of 11.1 percent. The state has also seen other strong signs of recovery including a steady increase in consumer spending.
Capitol Report: Wide-ranging crime bill signed into law (SB600)
Legislationmeant to address the issue of violent crime in Missouri is now set to become law. Gov. Parson signed the wide-ranging bill that contains provisions addressing dangerous felonies, unlawful possession of firearms, criminal street gangs, and vehicle hijacking. In signing the bill, Parson said, “As Governor and a former law enforcement officer for 22 years, protecting the citizens of our state is of utmost importance to my administration.
Capitol Report: Missouri fully reopened
Governor Parson fully reopened the state on Tuesday, June 16. On that day the state officially entered Phase 2 of the governor’s “Show Me Strong Recovery” Plan. Moving into Phase 2 means there is no statewide health order and all statewide restrictions are lifted. However, local officials will continue to have the authority to implement further rules, regulations, or orders.
Capitol Report: ‘20 Legislative Session: Part 2
As a follow-up to last week’s Capitol Report, I have highlighted a few more pieces of legislation that might be of interest to you. Some of the key pieces of legislation given final approval by the General Assembly include: Income Tax Exemption for Stimulus Payments (SB 676) – Legislation that is meant to protect Missourians’ stimulus payments from state income tax.
Capitol Report: Lawmakers wrap up session
As the state began to reopen for business, lawmakers returned to the State Capitol building to finish our work for the 2020 legislative session.
Capitol Report: House approves fiscally responsible spending plan
As lawmakers returned to the State Capitol Building to continue the 2020 legislative session, we faced the difficult task of crafting a balanced state budget during a time when revenues are declining because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Capitol Report: Lawmakers set to return to Jefferson City on April 27
Members of the Missouri House and Senate will make their way back to the State Capitol building on April 27 to resume the 2020 legislative session. When they return, legislators will focus their efforts on crafting the Fiscal Year 2021 state operating budget, which must be approved by May 8 in accordance with the Missouri Constitution. House Speaker Elijah Haahr and Majority Floor Leader Rob Vescovo issued a joint statement with Senate leadership regarding the decision to resume session.
Capitol Report: Gov. Parson issues statewide Missouri stay home order
As the state’s number of positive COVID-19 cases rose above 2,000 with at least one case in 76 of Missouri’s 114 counties, Gov. Mike Parson issued the “Stay Home Missouri” Order to help control and contain the spread of the virus. The order, which states that Missourians shall avoid leaving their homes unless necessary, took effect at 12:01 a.m. On Monday, April 6 and will last until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 24. Parson said, “There comes a time when we have to make major sacrifices in our lives.
Capitol Report: Information for dealing with COVID-19
In response to the continued spread of the coronavirus in Missouri, Gov. Parson and his administration have made several important changes to help all those who are being impacted by COVID-19.
Capitol Report: Initial approval given on voter identification
Missouri House members took action this week to reinstitute a voter ID requirement that was approved by more than 60 percent of Missourians in 2016. Lawmakers gave first-round approval to a bill that would bring clarity to the requirements that were gutted by a Missouri Supreme Court decision in January. It was in 2016 that the legislature approved legislation to require voters to present a valid photo ID at the polling place or sign an affidavit and present some other form of identification.
Capitol Report: State prepared for disease control
A Missouri House panel this week heard from three doctors, including the director of the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), about how ready the state is for the coronavirus. The members of the Special Committee on Disease Prevention and Control heard Missouri is very prepared and that the best thing Missourians can do to prevent the disease from spreading is wash their hands. DHSS Director Randall Williams told lawmakers, “I believe we are very well prepared.
Capitol Report: House gives initial approval of reinstituting voter ID law
Missouri House members took action this week to reinstitute a voter ID requirement that was approved by more than 60 percent of Missourians in 2016. Lawmakers gave first-round approval to a bill that would bring clarity to the requirements that were gutted by a Missouri Supreme Court decision in January. It was in 2016 that the legislature approved legislation to require voters to present a valid photo ID at the polling place or sign an affidavit and present some other form of identification.
Capitol Report: Court ordered victim impact program for DWI offenders
A bill now headed to the Senate would require a person who is guilty of driving while intoxicated to complete a victim impact program approved by the court. A victim impact panel is made up of speakers who have either been seriously injured by an impaired driver or have a loved one who was seriously injured or killed by a drunk driver. Members of the panel share their stories with offenders who attend as part of their court sentence.
Capitol Report: Prescription drug monitoring program
The Missouri House has given preliminary approval to a statewide monitoring program that supporters say will help combat prescription drug abuse. Missouri is the only state in the nation without a statewide program, though a program started by St. Louis County encompasses roughly 87 percent of the state’s population.
Capitol Report: Great Northwest Day at the state capitol
A great group of Northwest Missouri’s finest made their annual trek to the Capitol last week during the 2020 Great Northwest Day held each year in Jefferson City! The event has become a premier showcase of the 18 counties that make up the “Great Northwest” corner of Missouri and has proven to be a major attraction for the legislative body in Missouri.
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